St. Johns County Drug Court
Participant Handbook
“Visualizing a Brighter Future”
Version 20 Updated: June 06, 2017
St. Johns County Drug Court Participant Handbook
Table of Contents
Introduction
Page 3
Courtroom
Page 6
Addictions Treatment
Page 10
Supervision
Page 13
Drug Testing
Page 17
Map
Page 20
Participation Application and Disclosure (4 Pages)
Who is on the Team?
The Drug Court Team is a group of very dedicated professionals who want drug court
participants to be successful. The Judge leads the Drug Court team, which includes the
following people:
Drug Court / County Court Judge, Alexander Christine
Drug Court Coordinator, Ralph Cumberbatch
Assistant State Attorney, Mitchell Bishop
Assistant Public Defender, Tara Floyd
FDC Probation Officer, Melissa Dale
EPIC Treatment Counselor, Sara Tomlinson
SAPD Officer, Mark Samson
SJCSO Deputy, Matthew Bellamy
SABPD Officer, Ed Martinez
Deputy Clerk of the Court, Megan Lapinski
Seventh Circuit Drug Court Manager, Michael Jewell
(904) 827-5613
(904) 827-5620
(904) 209-1620
(904) 827-5699
(904) 825-5038
(904) 829-2273
(904) 825-1070
(904) 209-1460
(904) 657-7224
(904) 819-3618
(386) 740-5155
THANK YOU! - Without the continuing support of the St. Johns County Board of County
Commissioners and all of the contributing stakeholders in this community, drug court
would not be a possible option for those in need.
This handbook is available for download at www.circuit7.org and it is incomplete without
the Participation Application and Disclosure.
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Introduction - Welcome to the St. Johns County Drug Court!
We want you to succeed! Your success in this program will
be good for you, your family and the entire community. As
a participant in this program, you will be required to follow
the program rules, instructions given in court by the Judge
and follow the treatment plan you develop with your
treatment counselor. This handbook explains what is
expected of you. It will also provide you with general
information about the program.
Please read this handbook carefully. It should assist you to
complete the program successfully. We encourage you to
read it and to share it with your family and friends who
support you in recovery. If you do not understand this
handbook, please ask your attorney or a drug court team
member to help you.
Introduction - What is the St. Johns County Drug Court?
The mission of the St. Johns County Drug Court is to protect society by identifying and
treating addicted, non-violent substance abusing offenders in a more efficient and
effective way in the criminal justice system. Through improved communication and
collaboration among stakeholders, we intend to reduce alcohol and drug abuse in the
community, lower recidivism rates, lessen the financial impact on society and help those
so identified to lead productive lives as law abiding citizens.
The St. Johns County Drug Court is a Judge led program for non-violent addicted
people with drug related felony charges who reside in this County. The program
involves regular court appearances before the Judge, substance abuse treatment
counseling, frequent random drug testing, supervision by probation and collaboration
with other team members such as your attorney, the State’s Attorney, court
administration and law enforcement. Drug court is a multi-phased program involving
addictions treatment and the collaborative monitoring efforts of the entire drug court
team. Everyone works together in an effort to give you the best opportunity to succeed.
To be successful, you will be the most important person in this process.
Introduction - Participant Benefits

Good chance of living a drug free lifestyle with associated benefits

Good chance of living a law abiding lifestyle

Rebuild family & community ties

Avoid lengthy incarceration such as prison

Early termination from probation
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Introduction - Drug Courts Work! (Visit allrise.org)
The National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) tells us that:

Drug courts are the nation’s most successful criminal justice program

There are now over 2,900 Drug Courts nationwide

Over the past 25 years Drug Courts have served over 1.3 million seriously
addicted people

Drug Courts annually refer more people to treatment than any other system in
America

Nationwide, 75% of Drug Court graduates remain arrest-free at least two years
after leaving the program.

The most rigorous and conservative scientific “metaanalyses” have all concluded that Drug Courts significantly
reduce crime as much as 45 percent more than other
sentencing options.

Drug Courts save money, cut crime and serve veterans in
need of substance abuse and mental health treatment.

Drug Courts save up to $27 for every $1 invested
Introduction - "The Promises"
Participation in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Smart Recovery or
other team approved sessions are a required component of this program.
The primary textbook used by Alcoholics Anonymous is known as the “Big Book”. It
describes “the promises” on page 86 as follows:
If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before
we are half way through.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness,
We will not regret the past, nor wish to shut the door on it,
We will comprehend the word serenity,
And we will know peace.
No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience
can benefit others.
6. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
7. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain insight into others.
8. Self-seeking will slip away.
9. Our whole attitude and outlook will change.
10. Fear of people and economic insecurity will leave us.
11. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
12. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.
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Introduction - How Do I Join?
To enter the drug court program you must qualify for the program, agree
to complete the program, and be sentenced to probation with a special
condition that requires you to successfully complete the program. Drug
dealers need not apply. Participants sign a participation agreement that
explains exactly what is expected.
Introduction - How do I know if I qualify?
Qualification criteria include the following:

Agree to participate

18 or older

Non-violent drug related felony

No violence in criminal history

Residence in St. Johns County

Capable of benefiting from program regimen

Other considerations including health issues and prescription medications
Introduction - A New Beginning!
This is a chance to move forward in your life. The lives of people in drug courts all over
the world are being changed in incredible ways. Carefully consider your decision to join!
Introduction - How long is the Program?
This is a multi-phased program that can be completed in one year, depending on how
well you do. It often takes people longer than a year to successfully complete because
addiction is so difficult to overcome. Please review the participation agreement closely
to fully understand program requirements.
Introduction - We want you to Graduate!
We want you to do well and stay in treatment until you graduate! It is better for you, your
family and the community. We conduct a special graduation ceremony for those who
graduate. It is a time for you to continue living a law-abiding, drug-free lifestyle without
the external “training wheels” provided by drug court. Using the support systems that
you put in place while in drug court will become very important. Program graduates are
strongly encouraged to come back to see drug court team members if you need help or,
better yet, simply to tell us how well you are doing!
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Courtroom – The Judge
Drug Courts are different than traditional courts
because you appear before the judge often to
review your progress regardless of whether you
are doing well or doing poorly. We have learned
that this time with the Judge can help a
participant to be successful in ways that nothing
else can. Everyone wants the Judge to be proud
of their achievements. Be prepared to tell the
Judge how you are progressing in the program.
The Judge wants very much for you to be
successful!
Courtroom - A Word from the Judge
So many people have worked very hard for more than a decade just to make this
opportunity available. Your success will benefit you, your family and the community.
These are three keys:
1. Honesty is paramount – with yourself, with me with team members and with
others
2. Respect yourself, respect me, respect the team and respect others
3. Do not abscond! – Participate in treatment, come to court and comply with
supervision
Courtroom – Appearances in Court
Every participant is required to be in court fifteen minutes before the hearing is
scheduled to begin. If you have a question about your next court date, please consult
your court notice or contact a team member. A warrant is typically issued for those who
fail to appear in court. In such an event, attempts to contact the participant will typically
be made to encourage the participant to report to the jail for a sanction. The matter will
usually be addressed at the next available drug court hearing. If the participant does
not follow through as required, an additional number of days in jail can be expected. Do
not use unauthorized drugs in the meantime. An individual who remains absent from
the program for thirty days or more will be viewed as an absconder and may face
expulsion from the program.
Courtroom – Behavior

Show up early

Turn off cell phones and pagers

Stay seated and quiet until addressed by the Court

Stand up and approach when addressed by the Court

Stay for the whole hearing unless you are given approval to leave
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Courtroom - Dress Code
If you have any concerns about how to dress for court, please ask your probation
officer. It is important to treat yourself and the Court with respect.






Men = shoes, courtroom appropriate shirt & long pants
Women = shoes; courtroom appropriate blouse or top, with skirt or pants or
courtroom appropriate dress
No bathing suit tops, halter tops, hip hugger pants, see through blouses, or bare
midriffs
No clothing bearing or promoting alcohol and/or other drug related themes
No gang clothing or “colors”
Remove hats and sunglasses
Courtroom - Incentives
You may expect to receive incentives when you do well. Examples include:
 A-Team
 A-Team with Incentives
 Applause & Recognition
 Words of Encouragement
 Certificates
 Fewer restrictions
 Tangible Incentives
 Earning Community Service Hours
Courtroom - A-Team
“A-Team” is for participants who have completed everything required of them when they
appear in Court. Those who are on the A-Team may also leave Court right after they
appear in front of the Judge. Most others must remain for the entire drug court hearing.
Even though team members recommend who will be on the A-Team, the Judge makes
the final decision. We love having large A-Teams in drug court!
Courtroom - A-Team with Incentives
Any participant that exceeds minimum requirements may be recognized as being on the
A-Team with incentives.
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Courtroom – Some Additional Incentives





Any participant on “A-Team with Incentives” for
seven consecutive drug court hearings earns
credit for ten community service work hours.
Any participant that invests in a GED program
earns credit for ten community service work
hours – If you complete the course, you earn
credit for twenty-five community service work
hours
Any participant that remains gainfully employed, in trade school or in smokers
cessation classes for sixty consecutive days earns credit for five community
service work hours
Any participant that researches the possibility of obtaining health care insurance
earns credit for two community service work hours
Any participant that completes a budgeting plan earns credit for two community
service work hours
Courtroom - Sanctions
You may expect to receive sanctions when you do not follow through as expected.
Accountability is very important when you are trying to modify behaviors. Examples
include:
 It could take longer to graduate
 Expressions of disappointment from the Judge
 Required community service work hours
 Restrictions
 Jail time
Courtroom - Missed Meetings
A missed meeting consists of, but is not limited to individual or group sessions with your
counselor, meetings with the Probation Officer or Drug Court Coordinator at a
determined time and place. Communication is the key. You can only be excused from
these meetings by a Team member. In the event a meeting is missed and unexcused,
suggested sanctions can range from being tasked with completing an essay, to an
overnight detention in the county jail.
Courtroom – Treatment Responses
In addition to using incentives and sanctions, this program uses treatment responses.
Sometimes a participant may need to participate in additional treatment sessions,
support groups, other types of services or even residential treatment. We understand
that such a response might feel like a sanction; nonetheless, our intent is to provide
each participant with the treatment services that they need.
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Addictions Treatment – Treatment Works!
It is remarkable how well addictions treatment works when
patients apply themselves in the course of evidenced based
services. There are millions of people in recovery all over the
world are leading very successful lives. Why not you?
Addictions Treatment – Individual Counseling
You get to develop, review and update your treatment plan together with your counselor
during individual sessions. Effective individual counseling sessions are an invaluable
part of your treatment process. Please take advantage of this time to progress in the
program and to achieve your goals. Please know that it may be necessary for your
treatment counselor to schedule extra individual treatment sessions with you if a need is
identified.
Addictions Treatment Costs
Participants in this drug court program receive treatment services valued at many times
the treatment costs actually paid. If you are serious about living a law-abiding lifestyle
that is free of alcohol and other drugs, drug court is the right place for you – and it is
also a good value. Participants in drug court are required to pay $10 a week for
treatment services to EPIC Behavioral Healthcare. Financial accountability is an
important part of recovery. If an individual is delinquent, it will be brought to the Team’s
attention and addressed in Court with the individual. Delinquent fees can delay your
advancement in the program.
Addictions Treatment - Confidentiality
To encourage candid participation in the treatment process, federal and state law
protects your identity and privacy. Because of these regulations, policies and
procedures have been developed to guard your confidentiality. To enable collaboration
that is necessary for an effective drug court, you will be required to sign a waiver
authorizing the transfer of information among drug court team members. It is also
important to know that drug court hearings are open to the public according to state law.
Addictions Treatment – Group Counseling
You will be required to attend group treatment counseling sessions
and education classes that must not be missed unless properly
excused in advance or in the event of a true emergency. Please
avoid making excuses not to attend. Treatment groups are a major
component of this program. Arrive on time, participate as appropriate
and remain until the event is over. Otherwise, you may be counted
as absent. Follow all of the treatment provider’s “house rules”.
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Addictions Treatment – Unacceptable behavior
1. Violence or threats of any kind to staff or other participants
2. Use and/or possession of alcohol or other drugs
3. Belligerent behavior or acts of vandalism to property
4. Possession of any type of weapon
5. Inappropriate sexual behavior or harassment
6. Breach of confidentiality of other patients in treatment
Addictions Treatment – Ancillary Services
Often, patients need additional services
such as mental health counseling,
medication assisted treatment, residential
treatment, transitional housing, family
involvement, primary medical services, etc.
Based on available resources, we will do
our best to help you to meet your needs.
We know recovery is not an easy process.
We praise your efforts and your courage.
We will attempt to provide the services you
need in order to help you and your family through this difficult journey. These services
should help to overcome stress, problems and conflicts that may block your recovery.
Please let us know if at any time you feel that you are not realizing the benefits of this
program and we will be glad to seek a remedy.
Addictions Treatment – Vivitrol
EPIC Behavioral Healthcare currently provides Vivitrol medicated assisted treatment to
participants in this drug court program on an as needed basis. Vivitrol is a timereleased injection of natlrexone that blocks the euphoric effects of opiates and alcohol.
Some claim that it reduces cravings. Many believe this form of treatment can
significantly increase the chances of success for those who are addicted to alcohol or
opiates. Please consult with your treatment counselor if you think you might benefit
from this form of treatment. It involves a medically based screening process. You will
not be required to receive Vivitrol injections against your will. If you are screened and
approved to participate in this type of treatment, it is 100% voluntary.
Addictions Treatment – Support Groups / Self Help Meetings
Involvement in support groups such as the twelve-step programs like Narcotic
Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery Programs are
important to your recovery. The drug court requires you to attend and to provide written
verification that you are doing so. You should get to know the people at these meetings
who are recovering from addiction and living a drug-free lifestyle. Developing this
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support system may be critical to a long-term successful recovery. It is your
responsibility to find out when and where meetings take place. Your treatment
counselor and probation officer will assist you if necessary.
Warning, everyone who attends these meetings is not necessarily living a drug free
lifestyle. Alternatives to AA/NA/Smart Recovery attendance may be available if desired.
Please address any concerns that you may have about these support groups with your
counselor.
Addictions Treatment - Medication
Upon your treatment orientation into this program, you will be provided with a medical
release/informative form that you are required to present to your doctor upon any visit.
As this is a substance abuse program, abstinence is the goal. In the event your medical
provider prescribes you a mind-altering medication, you will be required to keep an
accurate log to record when you take the medication and how much you take. Your
treatment counselor will review the log with you on a regular basis. If your prescription
for a mind-altering medication must exceed three days, we will need to further review
your progress in the program.
VERY IMPORTANT!
Support group verifications must be turned in at EPIC
by 9:30AM every Monday to receive credit in Court on the
following Tuesday (use drop box if needed).
Treatment fees must be paid by
Monday at 3:30PM to receive credit in Court.
Drug Court hearings take place on
Tuesdays at 3:00PM in Courtroom #255.
Community service work hours must be turned in to probation by Noon
on Friday to receive credit in Court on the following Tuesday.
The Drug Court Coordinator has office visit hours every Friday between
the hours of 2PM and 4PM in room #275 of the Courthouse.
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Supervision
Supervision of drug court participants is primarily the
responsibility of the probation officer assigned to the
program. The program coordinator also assists in
supervising program participants. Every participant in this
drug court program is on probation with a special condition
that requires successful completion of drug court. It is
extremely important to abide by your conditions of probation
to include the requirements specified in the participation
agreement.
Supervision - What are the Rules?
The rules are spelled out in great detail in the Participation Agreement. These are a few
highlights.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Appear in Court as scheduled
Follow your Treatment Plan
Show up on time for Appointments
Complete the Phase Requirements
Be truthful
Follow lawful instructions of team members
Supervision - Show up on time for Appointments
Show up on time for court, treatment sessions, probation office visits, and drug
tests...everything! You will be glad you did!
Supervision - Steps to Success!!!
Each phase of the program includes treatment goals, activities, and requirements that
you must meet in order to successfully complete the program and graduate. These are
things that you will be required to do no matter which phase you are in.




Appear in court regularly
Pay a $10 per week treatment fee
Meet regularly with probation
Progress in Treatment
Supervision - The “regular stuff” you must do to advance to the next phase, is:






Follow established individualized treatment plan
Complete phase requirements
Submit phase advancement form
Have your treatment fees paid up
Get the OK of the Team
Get the OK of the Judge in court
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Supervision - Complete Phase Requirements
All of the phase requirements for the program are spelled out in the Participation
Agreement. Completing the phases are your steps to success. In brief, the steps you
must take are described on the following pages. Everyone who enters the program as a
participant starts in phase one when sentenced. You will be placed on probation with a
special condition that requires you to successfully complete the drug court program.
Supervision - What else is expected of me?





Treat team members and others with respect
Stop all drug related activity
Comply with drug screening
Live a law-abiding lifestyle
Review the program guidelines during
your orientation
Supervision - Treat others with respect:
You should respect the opinions and feelings of other program participants. Verbal or
physical threats toward anyone will not be tolerated. Any inappropriate behavior will
immediately be reported to the Court and may result in a severe sanction. Aggressive
behavior towards staff cannot be tolerated.
Supervision - Fraternization, Living Together & Intimate Relationships
Participants are encouraged to build healthy relationships with others who are living a
law-abiding, drug-free lifestyle. Helping other participants in the program by listening to
each other, giving wise input when requested and carpooling together to treatment
sessions are often good things that are encouraged. Residing in the same halfway
house or sharing an apartment with another drug court participant may even be
necessary to make ends meet financially. However, please be very prudent about the
people with whom you spend your time, the places that you spend your time, and the
things that you do. Those who are within their first year or two into recovery typically
experience huge changes in their life. Early in recovery, people are often vulnerable in
ways they do not fully understand. For this reason, entering into new, intimate
relationships, especially with others who are new to recovery such as other program
participants, is strongly discouraged. Sadly, it is more common for a person who
relapses to pull down their significant other than for a person who is strong in recovery
to pull up their intimate partner. We cannot emphasize enough, the importance for you
to use this opportunity in drug court to focus your efforts on making yourself the best
you can be.
St. Johns County Drug Court Participant Handbook
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Supervision - Stop all drug related activity
Do not possess, sell, or use alcohol or illegal drugs. Do not frequent areas where drugs
are being sold or used. Any relapse you have with drugs or alcohol must be reported
immediately.
Supervision - Community Services Hours
Each participant is required to complete 100 community service hours while in drug
court. Drug court participants can also benefit from an earned credit of $8.00 for every
community service hour completed other than those hours designated for program
requirements. Approved designated locations for community service can be obtained
from your Probation Officer.
Supervision - Live a law-abiding lifestyle
You are required to refrain from further violation of the law. Additional offenses may
result in you being terminated from the program. Testing clean is not the only program
rule. We are very interested in you leading a law-abiding lifestyle. We strongly suggest
that you get involved in pro-social activities such as bettering your employment
situation, improving your education level, attending church, participating in organized
sports, joining social clubs, and/or engaging in family friendly activities.
Supervision – Unsuccessful Termination
Even with the Team supporting you, this is not an easy program.
Your success in this program depends mostly on you. The Team
will work very hard in an effort to help you to be successful;
however, do not expect the team to work harder than you.

Do not lie to the Judge (BIG “NO-NO”)

Do not commit a new felony offense

Do not commit a crime of violence

Do not repeatedly break the program rules

Do not abscond from the program
Supervision – Phase Advancement
Please use the phase advancement form on the next page when you are ready to
advance from phase one to phase two.
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Drug Testing - Comply with Drug Screenings
One of the main goals of the program is to help you to not use
drugs. A positive test or admission of substance abuse may
result in a sanction and/or changes in treatment. Repeated
substance abuse may result in termination from the program.
Drug tests will be conducted at the treatment facility, the
probation office and at the courthouse during court appearances.
Always be ready to submit to a drug test while in the program
Drug Testing - Over the Counter Drugs
Participants shall not ingest mind altering OTC drugs that may result in a positive drug
screen. Such medications include those that contain alcohol, dextromethorphan,
pseudo-ephedrine and ephedrine. Participants will discuss all over the counter
medications and supplements they plan to take with the treatment counselor before
taking the medication. This is particularly important before ingesting diet pills, herbal
supplements or energy drinks. Examples of OTC drugs that contain prohibited
ingredients include, but are not limited to: Nyquil, Actifed, Sudafed, Coricidin, Nasal
Crom and Robitussin DXM. Examples of OTC medications that will not result in a
positive drug screen when taken as directed include: aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen
and naproxen.
Drug Testing - Additional Substances to Avoid
Participants shall not possess or ingest any mind and/or mood altering substances.
They will not possess or ingest designer drugs, smoking mixtures, synthetic
cannabinoids, poppy seeds or anything labeled “not for human consumption”. Specific
examples of these substances include, but are not limited to: spice, bath salts, kratom
and products containing poppy seeds.
Drug Testing - A Drug is a Drug is a Drug!
Alcohol is a drug that participants are not allowed to use while in the program. Over the
counter medications are drugs. Check with the team before you take such medications.
Prescription drugs are drugs. Follow your doctor’s orders and check with the team
before you use these drugs. Do not take someone else’s prescription, not even from a
family member
Drug Testing - Positive Urinalysis
As the premise for Drug Courts throughout the country are to assist the participant in
abstaining from all drug use, we know that this is not always an easy task. Abstaining
from illicit substance use can be a challenge for some, with this in mind seek assistance
from your counselor, your sponsor or a team member. If you have used an illicit
substance, inform a team member as soon as possible. Though your situation is
personal it may not be unique and certain forms of behavior modification may be
warranted. There will be an immediate loss of clean days. Behavior modifications could
St. Johns County Drug Court Participant Handbook
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include extended treatment, counseling, court ordered dentition or some other form of
behavior modification. In the event that during random drug screening you test positive
before admitting the use to a Team member, the expense to cover that drug screen will
be your responsibility. Drug screening charges range from $20-$40. Community service
cannot be used to offset this debt.
Drug Testing - Missed Urinalysis (UA)
Please do not miss a UA! When participants have missed drug tests in the past, it has
often been an attempt to avoid drug use detection. The consequences for missing a
drug screen are as follows:
1. Upon identification of the missed UA, you will be contacted by the Program
Coordinator to help establish the reason for the miss.
2. A loss of all accumulated clean time is effective immediately.
3. There will be a treatment response: additional treatment, support groups, and
other types of services which may even include residential treatment.
4. An additional sanction may also be imposed to include a jail sanction by the
Judge.
Drug Testing - Dilute Samples
Please limit your liquid intake a few hours
prior to drug testing and eat some food.
Dilute urine samples can indicate that an
individual intentionally set out to alter the
outcome of his/her drug screen. There is no
way a team member can differentiate the
individual’s intent. With this in mind, it is the
Team’s position that upon the first dilute
sample obtained from a drug screen, the
individual will be notified by the drug court coordinator. Typically a 2 page essay on
dilution will be required. The participant will have to complete 10 community service
hours and a warning will be issued from the Bench. Upon identification of a second
dilute sample, the program response will typically be the same as they are for a positive
test.
St. Johns County Drug Court Participant Handbook
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MAP to Court, Probation and Treatment
Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Florida FDC Probation, 75 King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
EPIC Behavioral Healthcare, 3574 US 1 (Suite 107), St Augustine, Florida 32084
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